As November approaches, we remind everyone of the laws covering politically active City employees and officials. These laws are much stricter than those imposed on the general public. Engaging in political activity—working on campaigns, making political contributions—is our right. It’s protected by state law (the Local Governmental Employees Political Rights Act, 50 ILCS 135, et seq.). But City and state ethics laws prohibit public servants from improperly using taxpayer funds and public resources by engaging in such activity with government property, at work or on City time.  This brochure gives an overview of these ethics laws.

• Political Activity: A Plain English Q + A Guide for City of Chicago Employees and Officials